History 16
Student Presentation Expectations and Requirements
Due Date: May 22nd - Email Assignment to . Break into multiple parts (and multiple emails) if the file is too large.
Concept:
1) Students will choose an historical topic that interests them. They will then research all facets of their choice, and become a subject matter expert in that topic. They will then assemble their own Powerpoint presentation on the material they learned and turn it in to me.
2) Students will be expected to choose their own topic, and are encouraged to pick an historical area of interest to them.
3) Students must show not only the facts of the topics they choose, but the impact their topic had on American History. This assignment is not meant to be a mere listing of facts, but an in-depth research project that demonstrates the historical impact of your topic.
4) Get my approval on a topic before you begin your work.
Format:
1) The format of the presentation should be as if you were giving it in front of class
2) Keep historical focus and scope specific, not broad. Pick a specific topic and choose depth rather than breadth for your presentation. For example, don’t pick a broad topic like the Civil War. Pick a particular aspect of the War, such as the treatment of prisoners, battlefield tactics, the economics of cotton, or Lee’s Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse.
3) Presentations must be designed in Microsoft Powerpoint. You can use the library or Computer Center to do it. Submit the assignment to . If the file is too large, then break it up into multiple parts and send it in several emails (labeling each so I can put it back together again).
Topic Requirements:
Topic areas will have 5 requirements:
A) Must cover the time period for this course (1492-1877)
B) Must cover a topic in U.S. History
C) Topic must be cleared by the instructor, Michael McKinney
D) Choose a topic of historical significance (economics, politics, social)
Grading Criteria:
1) Depth and Quality of the research effort
2) Depth, Quality, and Accuracy of the material presented
3) Quality of the visual presentation: aesthetics, organization, readability, graphs, + charts
4) Persuasiveness of the presentation
a. Did the student adequately demonstrate the impact of their topic on history
b. Was the argument/presentation convincing?
c. Was the argument understandable and supported by facts, or were there logical fallacies?
5) Quality of the Analysis
a. Was the student’s analysis of the material rigorous and in-depth, or superficial?
b. Did the student adequately think through their topic and demonstrate its importance?
c. Student should provide details on the specific topic, and demonstrate analytical ability. In other words, do not provide a list of facts. Use the facts as tools in an analysis.
Possible Topics: (These are only ideas. You will need to come up with your own, in an area that interests you. Pick a topic of interest, or one that will be relevant to your career choice in life.)
Slavery
Constitutionality
Quality of Life
Separation of Families
Economics in the South
Supreme Court Cases
Impact of John Marshall
Gibbons v. Ogden
Dartmouth v. Woodward
Worcester v. Georgia
Women in America
Women in Workplace
Abigail Adams
Women’s Rights
Impact of Religion
Religion + Constitution
Great Awakening
Puritan Society
Quakers
Science and Innovation
Transportation
Agriculture
Cotton Gin
Telegraph
Mexican/American War
Texas Independence
Stephen Austin
Texas Joining Union
Santa Ana
War of 1812
Madison’s role
Andrew Jackson
Motivating Factors
Burning Washington
Abolitionism
William Lloyd Garrison
Frederick Douglass
John Brown
Nat Turner’s Rebellion
Trade Policy
Case Study on Tariffs
Impact of Subsidies
Import Restrictions
European Retaliation
U.S. Constitution
Amendment Process
Constitutional Convention
Alexander Hamilton
Madison + Bill of Rights
Elections
The Electoral College
“The Corrupt Bargain”
Parties and Campaigns
Jacksonian Democracy
Taxes in History
Excise Taxes
Imposts
Income Tax
Poll Taxes
Business and Economics
Specific Industry Impact
Government Regulation
Economic Growth
Business Leaders
Movement Westward
Pioneers
Oregon Territory
The Frontier Experience
1849 Gold Rush
Indians
Jackson and The Indians
Tecumseh
Cherokee
Civil War
Gettysburg
Emancipation
Prisoners of War
Military tactics
Reconstruction
Black Codes
Johnson’s Impeachment
Radical Republicans
Amnesty
Treaties
Louisiana Purchase
Treaty of Paris
Treaty of Ghent
Guadalupe Hidalgo
Foreign Policy
Monroe Doctrine
XYZ Affair
Minister Genet
Mexico Negotiations
Revolution
Coercive Acts
Olive Branch Petition
Southern Campaign
The Typical Loyalist
Immigration
Irish Immigrants
Germans in Midwest
Chinese in California